Distracted driving noted in fatal accident

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EAGLE, Colorado - A 15-year-old driver was possibly distracted by the radio just before a rollover accident on Interstate 70 near Wolcott last week that resulted in the death of a Glenwood Springs woman.

According to the Colorado State Patrol, a Chevy Avalanche was eastbound on the morning of Nov. 21 when it traveled off the highway, rolling one-and-a-half times onto its top.

The driver's mother, Paula Marr, 44, was in the front passenger's seat at the time of the accident, not the rear seat as earlier indicated in State Patrol reports, Trooper Aaron Hall said Wednesday.

She was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Hall said the right side of the vehicle was heavily damaged from the blunt impact.

Paula Marr was a longtime teacher at Glenwood Springs High School and most recently worked as an instructional facilitator for the Roaring Fork School District.

The accident remains under investigation, Hall said. However, based on statements, he said a report filed with the Colorado Department of Revenue indicates that the driver, 15, was distracted by the radio.

"He was legally driving, and did have an instruction permit," Hall said. Instruction permits require that the permittee have a licensed driver over the age of 21 in the front seat with them while driving.

The driver's older brother, 17, was in the back seat when the accident happened. He sustained serious injuries and has been recovering in a Denver hospital this week, but was expected to be released soon.

The driver also suffered moderate injuries, and was treated and released following the accident. Both boys are students at Glenwood Springs High School.

All of the occupants were wearing seat belts, Hall said.

A memorial service for Paula Marr is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Mountain View Church in Glenwood Springs.